BTS fans, and those who appreciate the K-Pop group’s unprecedented role in global culture, fired back at the comment and explained why BTS is more than a boy band with no real substance.
To start at the beginning, Hegerty’s comment was a direct response to Anne McElvoy, senior editor of The Economist. McElvoy responded “please no” to news that BTS sent a “message of hope” at the 75th annual U.N. Assembly, reinforcing the message of their Grammy Museum interview.
Though she later issued an apology, BTS fans were quick to cancel the British journalist and tweeted that she’d used discriminatory language.
Hegerty rushed to McElvoy’s defense and apparently didn’t see a reason for her apology, or the continued backlash. She then found herself in the spotlight, too, BTS Army members ready to explain why BTS is worthy of not only the message of hope, but of respect from all corners of the Internet community.
“Just because you don’t understand something doesn’t mean that it’s not important to someone else…in this case, millions of people across generations, cultures and genders worldwide,” responded author Rafranz Davis. “To dismiss them is to open yourself up to this type of scrutiny.”
Others had similar points, from the wild successes of BTS both in the music and philanthropy world, to their ability to unite fans globally to take over trending conversations on Twitter, a tactful skill the BTS Army often uses for good. They’re known to drown out racist conversations by hijacking hashtags. Others called Hegerty’s stance racist.
Another leading point? No matter your opinion on another person or group, a general respect should be reserved. The line “fundamentally unimportant” struck a chord with many.
Despite the backlash, BTS did deliver a message of hope that many found inspiring. It all had to do with 2020, and how Covid-19 has brought difficulties into the lives of people around the world. “Let us reimagine our world,” said RM, the leader of the group. “It might feel like it’s always night and we’ll always be alone, but the night is always darkest before the first light of dawn.”
Their point? Keep going. Even though the world is struggling, strength can be found together. It’s a message they’ve sent before, along with their general advocacy for individuality and perseverance.
